COMMUNITY FORUM

Grout question...

I'm doing some work in a bathroom and not having good luck with the grout. Is sanded grout more effective than unsanded grout (especially in joints about 1/2 inch). Common sense tells me "yes", but what do I know. Might be "another" reason why the grout I put down isn't drying properly (it's been since Nov'98 and still grout is damp). Thanks and would appreciate more thoughts on this matter.

DR HOME

02:01PM | 03/18/99

The sanded grout is used primarily on the floor since that is the high traffic area. Walls generally use unsanded since it has a smoother consistency. Question...Is all of the grout still damp or just in certain spots? Is this on the floor or on the walls?

jimt

03:03AM | 03/19/99

The grout is question is on the floor at the floor and wall seam. It's just damp in one or two 3-inch crevases, however this is where settling appears to have occurred and the grout line is about a 1/2 inch or so wide. This seems to be much more than in other areas of the shower floor. That's what has me completely fooled-it dries up properly in other areas and in those specific spots just stays damp. Could the under pan be wet with no chance of drying? Thanks.

DR HOME

12:24PM | 03/19/99

I think you know the solution. Since most of the area has dried, it cannot be the fault of the grout mix. There must be water coming from somewhere that is preventing the grout from drying properly. It would seem to be running behind the wall material, at the seam where the floor and wall meet or through the floor grout itself. Since it is an isolated area, it will be a small leak. The problem is if you do not cure the problem, the leak may progress further and you will begin to see cracking and lifting of the tile. I would start around the floor seam area and recaulk or grout that area since it may be the easiest place to start with less destruction involved. You can also try masking off sections around that area with plastic to prevent water from entering and see what happens. You can continue shortening the plastic until the leak reoccurs. Just some ideas........

jimt

03:37AM | 03/22/99

Thanks for your comments. I'll try some of your ideas and see what I get. It's probably an easy solution. I just don't have the expertise to solve it. Thanks Jim